Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

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Chapter 23

It was a glorious Saturday. The weather was unusually warm for a late October day. The sun was shining brightly and there was only a slight chill in the air. Jo stood at the window, trying to decide how she should spend her day. There were essays to grade, but she wasn't in the mood. The students were all going into Hogsmeade. Jo thought about accompanying them but decided against it; the last thing they needed was her tagging along, cramping their style. Many of them had invited her to come along, especially the younger children. Jo had become much beloved by the students. They always had a good time with Professor Medwin and wanted to be with her, even outside of the classroom. The children didn't realize how much they were all learning with her since lessons were so enjoyable.

"No, let them have fun on their own today," thought Jo.  "What can I do, hmm?"

Then it hit her – she would go for a hike in the mountains surrounding Hogwarts. Yes, she would take a lunch and her drawing equipment and make a day of it. Perfect! It had been so long since she had done any drawing out in the wilds and she was sure today she would come across something that would strike her fancy to sketch. Jolicia summoned Dobby and asked if it would be possible for him to pack a lunch for her. Naturally, it was no problem. Dobby was always so eager to please, especially when it came to Professor Medwin. A short while later, Dobby appeared with a back pack and assured her it contained everything she'd need.

"Thanks, Dobby," smiled Jo. "I don't know what I'd do without you. See you later."

"Dobby is always happy to be of service, Professor," said Dobby with a bow. "Have a good time."

Jolicia took off and climbed higher and higher into countryside. In some ways it reminded her of the hills surrounding L'Académie and in some ways it didn't. Right about now, the mountains back home would be ablaze with the colors of the fall foliage. It had always been her favorite time of year.

She missed her family. Naturally, they had been in constant contact with one another. Jo had received weekly trans-Atlantics owls from them. Her mother was doing fine, but missed her terribly. She always asked when she was coming home for a visit, something Jo couldn't tell her. Her father had been promoted to Deputy Minister of Magic. Jo was so proud of her Dad! She was sorry she hadn't been able to attend the ceremony when he had been sworn in. Her brother, Rob, was in love, again. He had had so many girlfriends over the years that Jo often called him 'Romeo Robert'. However, from the tone of his last letter, it sounded like this latest girl might be the one. Jolicia hoped it was true; her brother deserved to find the woman of his dreams. He was going to make a great husband.

Jo sighed and thought, "Lucky him."

At last, she came to a place high up on the mountainside where she stopped to take a rest. She turned around and the view literally took her breath away. There, below her, was Hogwarts in all its glory. The lake glittered to left side of the castle and the mountains rose majestically all around. This was the spot she had been looking for. A portrait of Hogwarts was to be her project of the day.

Jolicia spread out her blanket under an old oak tree and sat down with her back against the trunk. She sat there for awhile basking in the sunshine and the sight before her. It was so peaceful here. She closed her eyes and listened to the sweet sounds of nature - the swish, swoosh of the wind rustling through the tall grass; the chirp of unseen insects; the birds singing in the distance. Jo decided that this would be 'her place', a place she could come to whenever she needed to be alone and reflect. Feeling inspired, Jolicia took up her sketch pad and pencil and began to draw.

Severus had also noticed what a beautiful day it was. It had inspired him to do something he rarely did – he went for a walk. He left Hogwarts and strolled towards the edge of the grounds –which direction to go? He decided that today he would go west and set off. He was thoroughly enjoying the solitude. It was a relief to be away from the children, as they were a constant source of aggravation to him. Also, it felt good not to have to engage in some mindless small talk. He had never been one to babble or gossip. Unfortunately, the small group of colleagues and tight quarters was conducive to such behavior. He was obliged to participate, to play well with others if you like, but was able to keep it to a minimum. There were times when his patience grew quite thin and it was all he could do to keep a civil tongue in his head. He had, however, come to look forward to his chats with Professor Medwin. At least she was capable of some intelligent conversation and was well versed on a variety of subjects. This realization had come as a surprise to Severus. He had been unable to keep his vow of disliking her, much to his dismay. Normally, once he made his mind up about something, there was nothing that could be done to change it. It was decided – end of story. What was it about her that made him feel differently? He couldn't put his finger on it. It disturbed him, to say the least. He walked along, mulling the problem over in his head. She was attractive – but he had seen far more beautiful women than she; she was intelligent – but so was Minerva; she was skilled – but so were all of the other teachers. It made no sense. Why couldn't he see what it was about her?

Severus came up over a small hill and spotted something. There was some one under the oak. He crept up silently to see who it was. Professor Medwin was spread out under the tree, drawing. She had not heard him behind her. He thought about sneaking away and not making his presence known but stood transfixed. He peered at her sketch pad – he could see what she was drawing. She was good!

He watched her for a little while longer and then found himself saying, "You're an excellent artist, Professor Medwin."

Jo let out a yelp and clutched her hand over her heart in fright.

"Merlin, you scared the crap out of me, Professor Snape," she panted.

"My apologies. I thought you heard me," said Severus, knowing full well she hadn't heard him.

"It's okay, I just wasn't expecting to run into any one," she stated. "Isn't it magnificent here?"

"The view is certainly breathtaking," Snape said, looking intently at Jo. "I don't mean to intrude, but I couldn't help seeing your drawing. It is very good."

Jolicia blushed and said, "Thanks. I don't mind that you saw it. I have others. Would care to join me, that is, if you don't have anything better to do?"

He realized that he had said that quite often to her. She had noticed as well. He hesitated briefly and then said, "I don't want to disturb you, but if you are willing to show me, I would like that very much."

Jo blushed and cleared a spot for him on the blanket. She patted it and said, "Sit."

He obliged. Jo took up her portfolio and began to show him her work. There were a variety of types – charcoal, quill and ink, water color, even one in oil. There was one in particular that caught his eye. It was a water color of an autumn scene.

"Surely you have exaggerated the colors on this one, Professor?" he asked.

"No, that is the way it really is. Have you never been to Quebec in the fall?" she inquired.

"No, never."

"You must experience it at least once. This was done at a small lake not far from L'Académie. Those colors were drawn by Mother Nature, not me. I just copied them. I like this one because I like the way the colors in the trees reflect off of the lake, creating a mirror image. Professor Snape, there is nothing more beautiful than Quebec in autumn," said Jo enthusiastically.

He just nodded and continued inspecting the rest of her portfolio. When he had seen them all, he asked, "May I see your sketch pad as well?"

Jolicia handed it to him, adding that she had begun it since she had come to Hogwarts. Severus began flipping back the pages, starting with her current work.

As he turned the pages, he realized that the sketches were a glimpse into the daily life at Hogwarts: a Quidditch match; Dumbledore at his desk with his hand in a bag of candy; Harry Potter chasing the Golden Snitch, windblown, with a look of absolute joy on his face; a serious looking Draco Malfoy sitting at a desk; Hagrid with his eyes all scrunched up while Fang licked his face; Hermione, standing behind a smiling Ron, a wistful look on her face;  Dobby carrying a tray laden with food; Professor Sprout talking to one of her very large plants; Minerva placing the Sorting Hat on the head of a frightened first year; the Great Hall filled with students; himself.

Severus was shocked to see himself in the sketch book. Jo had captured him perfectly – his dark eyes blazing.

Jo saw his reaction and said, "I hope you don't mind that I drew your portrait, Professor?"

"No, not at all. You seem to have created a remarkable likeness. I am honored,' he said bowing his head ever so slightly. "You are quite an accomplished artist."

Jo smiled at the complement. She knew he didn't hand them out very often so she was even more pleased with his words.

"I was just about to stop for lunch, would you care to join me?" Jo asked, noticing he had no bag with him. "I'm sure there is more than enough for two. Dobby is always generous."

He protested, once again saying he had not meant to intrude. Jolicia once again assured him there was no intrusion. Snape acquiesced.

"Good. Let's see what delights Dobby packed for us," said Jo getting up on her knees to open the back pack.

"What? This is odd," she exclaimed, sitting back on her heels.

"What's odd?"

"There's two of almost everything in here," she said. She spread out the feast on the blanket and sure enough, there were two ham sandwiches on homemade bread, two bundles of carrot sticks, two little packages of cheese and biscuits, two apples, two pumpkin tarts and two glasses to go with the bottle of white wine!

"Did you ask for a lunch for two?"

"No, I told Dobby I was going for a walk and asked him to pack me a lunch. Did you tell Dobby you were going for a walk?"

"I most certainly did not. I haven't seen Dobby for weeks. Besides, I'm not in the habit of reporting my comings and goings to a house-elf, Professor Medwin," replied Severus with an ever so slight grin on his lips.  "What ever the reason, shall we tuck in?" He reached for the bottle of wine, opened it and poured two glasses. He handed one to Jo and said, "What shall we drink to?"

Jolicia smiled, held up her glass and said, "To Dobby."

He looked at her, smirked, and then raised his glass as well and said, "To Dobby."

The lunch was delicious. The wine helped them both to relax. They talked and talked. Actually, it was Jo who did most of the talking. Severus listened intently. She had been telling him about her childhood. It sounded so wonderful. He could see that she had been brought up in a home filled with much love. How different their lives had been. Jolicia suddenly realized that she had been monopolizing the conversation.

"Tell me about your childhood, Professor," she asked, hoping to get him to open up. She saw him tense.

"I do not speak of my childhood, Professor," he replied sharply.

Jo realized she had made a grave mistake. She was afraid he would leave and therefore quickly changed the subject.

"Oh, well then let me tell you about the time I …" Jo began to tell him about some of the trips she had made. The mood of the afternoon had changed. She could feel his discomfort. She cursed herself for ruining the day.

Finally, Jolicia came to the end of her story, wondering what she should do- should she apologize or just ignore what had happened. They sat for a short while in silence.

Without realizing it, Severus began to speak.

"I did not have a happy childhood as you did, Professor. My life has been, shall I say, difficult. My parents did not love one another as yours do – theirs was an arranged marriage. I grew up in a home filled, not with love and caring, but with arguments, hatred and violence."

Jo held her breath. He was opening up to her. She listened carefully to what he said, taking it all in.

"My father was an extremely cruel and violent man. He took great pleasure in humiliating me. He never missed an opportunity to point out what an ugly child I was, or to make fun of me. If I had the misfortune to make a mistake, no matter how small, he would beat me. There were many times I feared for my life. He also had a fondness for Ogden's Old Firewhisky. When he was drunk, his wrath was magnified ten-fold. It was at those times when…he…he would curse me, curse me with the Cruciatus curse."

Jo gasped in horror. His father had used one of the Unforgivable Curses on him. She shuddered at the cruelty. Severus took a deep breath and then continued. He was visibly shaken.

"At first, my mother had attempted to intervene on my behalf. Father would then direct his anger at her, and I would be spared. It came to the point that he would torture both of us - me for some minor infraction and she for providing him with such a pitiful heir or just for being there. He didn't need excuses any more. As time went on, she became more and more fearful, and she withdrew into herself. She was no longer able to help me. I took the brunt of his attacks once again. During my sixth year, I came home from Hogwarts for Christmas vacation. He was in a particularly foul mood and began to beat my mother mercilessly. I couldn't stand it anymore and tried to stop him. It was the first time I had ever dared to stand up to him. My mother looked at me with pleading eyes and begged me to stop. I wouldn't, I couldn't. He was faster than I and he reached his wand before I got to mine. He again performed the Cruciatus curse on me and my mother. I will never forget my mother's screams of agony. At last, he released me and I lay there, unable to move. He did not release my mother, however. He continued to torture her until she let out one final scream and died. She died right there before my eyes, by the hand of her husband and my father, and I had been unable to help her. My mother died because she failed to bring him his Firewhisky fast enough. That was what had sent him into a rage that day."

Severus drew a ragged breath and hung his head. Jo reached into her pocket and took out a handkerchief. She had been sobbing for quite some time and stopped to dry her eyes and blow her nose.

"Where is your father now?"

Snape didn't look up.

"He drank himself to death about ten years ago. It was one of the happiest days of my life."  He looked up at her and stared into her red-rimmed eyes.

Jolicia put her hand on his arm and whispered, "I don't know what to say to you except I'm so, so sorry for all the pain you have suffered. It is so unfair."

He replied coldly, "I don't need your pity."

She tightened her grip on his arm and said, "It isn't pity, Professor. It is called compassion. There's a difference. I have compassion for you, my friend."

Severus gazed at her and responded, "Is that what we are, friends?"

"I'd like to think that we are," said Jo.

He remained silent for a short while and then suggested they head back to the school.

Jo gathered up her drawing equipment and loaded up the back pack. Severus took the bag from her and slung it over his shoulder. They began there way back down the mountain.

He had surprised himself by confiding in her. The only other person he had told was Dumbledore. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He then had a thought.

"Professor Medwin, can I trust you not to repeat what I have confided to you today?" he asked.

"You don't have to worry. I would never breathe one word of what you have said to another living soul. You can trust me," said Jolicia. She put her hand on his back and she saw him shiver.

When they were almost at the school, he turned to her and said, "You may call me Severus, Jolicia. That is, if you would like to."

Jo's breathe caught in her throat. It was the first time he had called her Jolicia. She liked the way it sounded.

"I'd like that very much, Severus. I'd like it very much indeed," smiled Jo.

Later on, Severus returned to his quarters after spending the evening alone in his office. He had not even appeared at the supper table. He felt as if he wasn't ready to see Jolicia just yet. It felt strange that she knew such personal and private information about him. Coming up to his door, he noticed a small package wrapped in brown paper leaning against it. He picked it up, wondering what it could be. He set it on the table and tore open the paper. Inside was Jolicia's water color, the one Severus had admired, framed and ready to be hung.

There was a note:

Dear Severus,

Thank you for sharing your day with me. I hope you will enjoy this small token of appreciation. Perhaps, one day, I will be able to show you this spot in person.

Your Friend,

Jolicia

He stared at the note and the painting, not knowing what to make of them. He was not in the habit of receiving gifts. Naturally, he couldn't insult her by refusing to keep it - that would be ungracious. He then began searching his quarters, searching for the perfect spot in which to hang the art work. The painting found a new home, hanging beside Severus' desk. He put it where he could see it easily whilst seated and then stood back and admired his token of friendship.